Japanese Christian Church of Philadephia

Can a church be a home away from home? For many Japanese immigrants and their families in Philadelphia, the Japanese Christian Church of Philadephia has been just that. The Japanese Christian Church of Philadephia, located on Drexel Road, has served as a spiritual anchor and community hub since its humble beginnings in 1944. Its story is one of resilience, faith, and the power of community. The church traces its origins to a small gathering at the Fellowship House on Brown Street on November 19, 1944. Initially called the “Philadelphia Christian Fellowship,” it was primarily composed of first-generation Japanese immigrants, or Issei. The church’s first leaders included Takashi Uchida as president, Shōzō Horikawa as secretary, and Hisaki Higuchi as treasurer. The church initially held services only twice a month, often led by seminary students like Bokko Tsuchiyama and Shintarō Hasegawa. Reverend Masamoto Nishimura, originally from California, also played a key role, traveling from New York to Philadelphia monthly for nine years to serve the growing congregation. In 1953, a significant change occurred with the arrival of Pastor Tatsuo Sakaguchi. Born in Japan, Pastor Sakaguchi had a fascinating journey. He studied at the Kobe School of the Southern Presbyterian Church, served as a pastor in Japan, and then immigrated to the United States. He worked in California before being interned during World War II. His arrival in Philadelphia marked a turning point, providing stability and leadership. The church moved to the Barnes Center on Pine Street in 1954, thanks to the generosity of church member Tome Kaneda. Pastor Sakaguchi’s leadership guided the church through several transitions, including the move to a rented space in a Jewish synagogue on Chestnut Street in 1965. He continued to serve even after his retirement in 1965, until succeeded by Pastor Peter Yoshitaka Shimada. Pastor Shimada, a graduate of Kumamoto University in Japan and Temple University in the US, oversaw important developments. Under his leadership, the church formally affiliated with the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) in 1979. This marked a significant step, aligning the church with a larger denomination and strengthening its connection to the broader Christian community. Another milestone was the purchase of the current church building on Drexel Road in 1984. This was a momentous occasion, signifying the church’s growth and permanence in Philadelphia. The Japanese Christian Church of Philadephia has continued to evolve, welcoming pastors from diverse backgrounds and serving the needs of a changing community. It has benefited from the contributions of students from Princeton Theological Seminary and has a strong history of community outreach and support for Japanese families in the area. The church has been more than a place of worship. It has been a place of connection, support, and cultural preservation for generations of Japanese Americans in Philadelphia.